Sugar planters in Negros Oriental have appealed for help from the government in the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2015, Maitus Aldeguer, president of the Bais-Tanjay-Manjuyod Sugar Planters Association, said recently.

The sector is apprehensive of the possible immense decrease in the price of sugar, considering that there will be zero tariffs on products coming from ASEAN countries, Aldeguer said.

She said they are worried that the sugar industry will collapse, and will especially affect the small planters as imported sugar from ASEAN countries will influence the price of the locally-produced product.

Aldeguer said they are asking the government to assist the small sugar planters so that they can prepare when the AFTA will be implemented. The big and stable sugar planters can easily make an adjustment because they have enough resources, in case the price of sugar will drop, she said.

The price of sugar may not be able to compensate with the labor cost and fertilizer expenses. The neighboring countries are using cheaper fertilizers compared here in the Philippines, she said.

Aldeguer also said she expects the concerns of the sugar sector to be discussed on June 14, at 2 p.m., at the Sergio Osmeña gymnasium in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, with the Department of Trade and Industry set to explain the stand of the government on the FTA, and what they can provide as support to the sugar planters.

She said an alternative source of livelihood, agricultural inputs and development like intercropping can help the small sugar planters.

She also said she welcomes the proposed construction of a Livelihood Training Center for sugar workers in Calindagan, Dumaguete City, that can provide a venue for workers to improve their skills and discover alternative sources of livelihood.*MA

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